An Action-Packed Second Week of Rehearsal

Now, in the second week of rehearsal, the action is really picking up as brother and sister encounter the Witch, gleefully portrayed by Elizabeth Byrne. Director Amy Hutchison has packed so much action and interaction into the performances that even the most hardened computer game player will be entertained.

Now, in the second week of rehearsal, the action is really picking up as brother and sister encounter the Witch, gleefully portrayed by Elizabeth Byrne. Director Amy Hutchison has packed so much action and interaction into the performances that even the most hardened computer game player will be entertained.

As the Witch, Elizabeth Byrne (right) casts an evil spell on Gretel (Marnie Breckenridge, left) and Hansel (Kirsten Gunlogson).

 (Toward that end, Indianapolis Opera is offering a Special Family Promotion for Hansel and Gretel, in which select seats are only $20 each. Click Here)

Our chorus for this opera is being performed by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. While this is a seasoned group of singers, it is always interesting to see young performers in their first opera. Most of their performances are in concert and don’t involve broad movement. So watching their fierce concentration on Amy’s stage direction is a lot of fun.

 

The children’s performance evokes quite a contrast. Parents often caution their children to “use your inside voice” when they become too rambunctious. With this group we are encouraging them to “use your playground voice, not your choir voice!” We are so lucky to be able to rehearse in the soon-to-be Basile Opera Center, where we have ample space and safe surroundings for the 50+ children in the cast.

Chloe, Marnie Beckenridge’s intrepid travel companion, snugs up with rehearsal accompanist Sandra Baetzhold.

 Finally, I couldn’t report on rehearsals without mentioning the hands-down favorite member of our rehearsal crew—Chloe, soprano Marnie Breckenridge’s (Gretel) cute little dog. She too is a seasoned opera pro, sitting through rehearsals without a peep. (Although Marnie did confide that Chloe had a little whimper once while she was rehearsing a mad scene, but mad scene’s don’t count.)

This production is shaping up to be great fun. We look forward to seeing you!

 Jim